Knowing Who I Am

In summary of John 8:12 it says, “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’”

Bottom Line:

Jesus spoke saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

What this means to me:

Jesus personally told us that He is the light of the world.  If I follow him I will not walk in darkness, but rather have the light of life in me.  When Jesus said, “I am the light of the world,” he defined himself. He let us know that, “I know who I am.” More than 18 times in the Bible, Jesus says, “I am” and then gives a description. He described himself as the door, the bread of life, the way, the truth, the resurrection, and the life. Over and over, he defines himself. Jesus knew who he was and, as a result, he was not under pressure.  As long as I’m unsure of my identity, I’ll be pressured to fit into other people's molds. They will attempt to manipulate me. They will try to make me into what they think I ought to be rather than what God made me to be. One cause of stress comes from trying to be somebody that I’m not. When I’m fearful that someone's going to find out what I’m really like, that I might not be able to keep up the facade, it causes stress.  The only way I can counterbalance outside external pressures is to have an internal sense of satisfaction about who I am and who God made me to be. You discover who you are by knowing who I belong to.  The Bible says that I was created by God. I am deeply loved by him. I am accepted as I am. He has a plan for my life. Until I settle this issue of identity, I will be insecure and I will be pressured by stress. I cannot serve other people until myself settle this issue.  Jesus constantly did things that surprised everybody else. He put himself below others and served them. None of the other disciples would have ever thought to wash each other’s feet in the Upper Room because of their insecurity. But Jesus always served from a position of strength. He knew who and whose he was, so it didn't matter that he lowered himself to serve them.  Service comes from self-esteem. Until I overcome my insecurity and feel good about myself, I won't feel like helping anyone else.  In summary I need to be secure in who God made me to be.  When I feel secure then I can effectively serve others.